Well-being Material Library

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apichat Praditsmanont attended the launch of the Travel Tech Startup 2024 contest

Nature, Child Development, and Family Relationships

Given the chance, would you prefer to live in nature? Would you like to be near the sea, mountains, waterfalls, trees, or streams each day, rather than waiting for weekends or holidays to reconnect with nature?Being close to green spaces boosts our physical and mental health. It helps us relax, reduces our stress and anxiety, alleviates depression, and even promotes longevity. Studies show that living in green settings can lower the risk of respiratory diseases and cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, strengthen bones through sunlight exposure, and boost the immune system by increasing our contact with natural microorganisms.Lots of studies from around the world support these findings. Living in an area with 20% green space can significantly reduce stress and depression, according to research published by Oxford University Press. If the green space exceeds 30%, anxiety levels also drop. It’s no wonder we feel drawn to greenery and want to live closer to nature.Simply seeing green surroundings helps us relax. But imagine how much our lives improve if all the family enjoys nature every day, whether it’s going for a walk, exercising, or simply sitting together and sharing stories… All these simple moments help build family bonds.Two great ways to boost physical and mental well-being, while bringing your family closer, are gardening and relaxing outdoors.Gardening improves motor skills when we dig, loosen soil, pull up weeds, pick up leaves, or water plants. But it also relieves stress. Just 30 minutes of gardening can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, bringing the body back to a normal, relaxed state, according to research.Relaxing outdoors boosts physical, linguistic, cognitive, creative, and social development. Different types of play influence various aspects of growth:- Active Play – Running, climbing, and jumping strengthen muscles strength and boost skills and balance.- Sensory Play – We can engage different senses by studying plants, listening to water and bird songs, or capturing nature’s beauty through photography or painting.- Social Play – Activities like group discussions and team games improve social skills and teamwork.- Passive Play – Taking a stroll, relaxing on a hammock, or engaging in restful activities helps us unwind and build social bonds through conversation.Living by green spaces that encourage outdoor activities enhances life. It supports childhood development, benefits all age groups, slows aging, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. We also suffer less stress and anxiety,  leading to a healthier, happier family.When all the family enjoys good physical and mental well-being, we gain stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and greater family harmony.Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCReferences:Beyer, K. M., et al., Exposure to Neighborhood Green Space and Mental Health: Evidence from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin, 2014.​Cox, D. T. C., et al., Doses of Neighborhood Nature: The Benefits for Mental Health of Living with Nature. Bioscience, 2017.​Elizabeth Pegg Frates, Time spent in green places linked with longer life in women, 2017.​James P, Hart JE, Banay RF, Laden F, Exposure to Greenness and Mortality in a Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study of Women, 2016.​Maureen Bennie, How Does Your Garden Grow? Mental Health, Wellness & Skills Development Through Gardening, 2020.​Rook, G.A.W. Regulation of the immune system by biodiversity from the natural environment: an ecosystem service essential to health, 2013.​Soga, M., et al., Health benefits of urban allotment gardening: improved physical and psychological well-being and social integration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2017.​Van Den Berg, A. E., & Custers, M. H., Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress. Journal of Health Psychology, 2011.​